David Coon, MLA for Fredericton South and Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick issued the following statement in recognition of International Worker’s Day:

“Today is International Workers’ Day. This day commemorates the 1886 Haymarket Massacre, when police fired on workers in Chicago during a general strike for the eight hour workday. Today the people of New Brunswick benefit from the sacrifice of these early labour protestors, but not all benefit equally.

Non-unionized staff, particularly in the service sector, have no protection against lay-off and are often forced to accept too many or too few shifts simply to maintain employment.

Government must act to create a provincial environment that fosters, supports, and respects labour unions. And for those working in non-unionized environments, we need labour laws that protect and empower all workers.”